Patriots Notebook: Team Still Dealing With Bruises

With the team returning to practice after a bye week and a well-needed break from practices, the New England Patriots have been dealing with a plethora of injuries all season long with no sign of relief in the near future.

The Patriots announced they will not activate linebacker Shea McClellin off of injured reserve, so his season is over,

On Wednesday the Patriots were three men down. Marcus Cannon, Chris Hogan and Malcom Brown were all missing from the start of the workout, which was the team’s second of the week.

Cannon has an ankle injury, which he aggravated against the Chargers in Week 8. Hogan is dealing with a shoulder issue that occurred at the end of the win over the Chargers two weeks ago. Brown has an ankle ailment, and he has not practiced since suffering the injury in the second half against the Falcons in Week 7. Hogan is reportedly still in a sling. If the wideout is unavailable come Sunday expect Phillip Dorsett to line up across from Brandin Cooks.

Jean Francois signed

The Patriots are thin along the D-line with Brown nursing an ankle injury. Defensive tackle Vincent Valentine also remains on injured reserve and has yet to return to practice. So, the Patriots signed defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois.

Jean Francois, who will turn 31 later this month, most recently played for the Green Bay Pakers, appearing in six games for the Packers this season.

Before that, he spent two seasons with the Washington Redskins (2015-16) two with the Indianapolis Colts (2013-14) and four with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him in 2009.

“He’s been on several different teams, played in different systems,” Belichick said. “Played 3-4 end, played inside on the guard. So we’ll see how it goes.”

Jean Francois’ most productive season came in 2014, when he tallied 28 tackles, three sacks, and four pass deflections in 16 games for Indianapolis.

ESPN fake news

As per ESPN sources, there were a few questionable claims in regards to Coach Bill Belichick.

One such claim stated that the coach was excited to coach former quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo when Brady retired.

When asked about the claims he gave the answer you may expect.

“As usual, I think a lot of comments that were in the article you’re referring to aren’t attributed to anybody, if I am not mistaken,” the head coach said. “I don’t think anybody said anything. This is just a general random opinion about I’m not sure exactly what.” Belichick said using quotes that are unattributable is “fake news”. “I mean, otherwise, we’re just talking about a lot of fake news here, just putting out a lot of things that are attributable as usual. I’d say we get a lot of that.”

Sunday matchup

The Patriots on Sunday will face the Denver Broncos at 8:30 p.m. at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Patriots came out on top last season wia 16-3 victory.

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